Plainfield Fest Moves Away From Downtown: 'It Was Too Spread Out'

PLAINFIELD, IL — Plainfield Fest has undergone several iterations in recent years, from no carnival in 2021 and 2022 to not happening at all in 2023. This year brings more change.

The popular festival, hosted by the nonprofit Plainfield Riverfront Foundation as its main fundraiser, is returning July 17-19, but this time, it's taking place at Gregory B. Bott Park — not downtown.

What this means is that everything — including the carnival, beer garden and live music stages — will be in one location. In 2025, for example, the carnival was set up at Plainfield Central High School, away from other areas of the festival.

"We moved primarily because we've outgrown the downtown," Margie Bonuchi, president of the Riverfront Foundation, told Patch. "There are so many more businesses now. [The fest] was too spread out ... too chaotic."

The new location is "better for every group involved," Bonuchi said. Police costs will go down since there are fewer areas to patrol, visitors won't have to separate to try different activities, and guests will have the opportunity to enjoy downtown Plainfield without the overcrowding.

Plus, no roads will need to close to accomodate the festival, according to the Riverfront president.

"When you're in Plainfield traffic, [no road closures is] music to your ears," Bonuchi said.

The plan is to bring Plainfield Fest back to Bott Park in the future.

"We're hoping this works out well, and we can leave it there," she said.

Here's a look at what's planned for Plainfield Fest.

• Carnival: 5-10 p.m. July 17, 1-10 p.m. July 18 and 1-6 p.m. July 19. Wristbands will cost $5.
• Craft and Vendor Show: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 19
• Midwest Bags Tournament: Beginning at 11 a.m. July 19
• Food Court: 5 p.m. to midnight July 17, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. July 18 and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 19
• Petting zoo and pony rides: 1:30-5:30 p.m. July 18 and noon to 4 p.m. July 19
• Bounce house, face painting, balloon animals and kids' games: Throughout the day Saturday and Sunday

Live music is scheduled throughout the weekend. These bands are slated to perform:

• Riplock: 7-9:30 p.m. July 17
• Nashville Electric Company: 10 p.m. to midnight July 17
• School of Rock: 1-2:30 p.m. July 18
• Olivia Minoque: 3-4:30 p.m. July 18
• Blackberry Jam: 5-7 p.m. July 18
• Friday at Five Band: 7:30-9:30 p.m. July 18
• Hi Fidelity: 10 p.m. to midnight
• Rick Lindy and The Wild Ones: 2:30 p.m. July 19
• Soda: 3-5 p.m.